Grillkrydda

Grillkrydda is a dry spice blend used in Swedish and Nordic cooking to season meat, poultry, and vegetables before grilling. It functions as a rub that adds aroma and flavor without requiring a liquid marinade, helping to form a crust during grilling.

Common ingredients typically include salt, sugar, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, with additional chili, mustard powder, or dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary. Some mixes may include smoked flavor, cumin, or coriander. Brand variants differ in salt content and sweetness, and some blends may contain allergens; always check the ingredient list.

Grillkrydda is usually applied evenly over the surface of meat or vegetables and left to rest briefly to allow the flavors to cling before cooking. It is suitable for pork, beef, chicken, fish, and vegetables, and can be used as a dry rub or mixed with oil or a small amount of acid (such as lemon juice or vinegar) to help adhesion.

Many households in Sweden and other Nordic countries keep a grillkrydda on hand for outdoor grilling season. Both homemade blends and commercially produced versions are common, allowing cooks to adjust salt, sweetness, and heat to taste.